CBA and NBL to Merge, Promotion-Relegation System to Return
En resumen
- China's basketball leagues are set for major changes, including the return of promotion and relegation between the CBA and NBL starting after the 2026-27 season.
- The NBL will become the official second-tier league, with top NBL teams potentially joining the expanded CBA, aiming for a 22-team top league.
Resumen generado por IA
Por qué importa
The Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) and National Basketball League (NBL) are undergoing significant structural changes, including the reintroduction of a promotion and relegation system.
The promotion and relegation system in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league will return next summer, amid other changes to be made to the sport’s leagues in China.
Sources told the South China Morning Post that the CBA and the National Basketball League (NBL) – an independent league in the country – will also be merged, with the latter becoming the official second-tier league affiliated to the CBA.
Media reports in China on Thursday revealed that the promotion and relegation system would be initiated after the 2026-27 season of the two leagues.
It would potentially have the four lowest-ranked CBA teams playing a play-off tournament against the four highest-ranked NBL teams, with the top five finishers gaining CBA status for the 2027-28 season.
This means at least one NBL side will join the expanded top-tier league of 21 teams.
The same process will apply at the end of each season, with the ultimate goal of having a top basketball league with 22 teams.
Qué observar
Perspectiva de IA — posibilidades, no hechos
Top NBL teams will gain CBA status for the 2027-28 season.
Probable · En meses
Preguntas abiertas
- Specific playoff format details.
- Financial implications for teams.
